Compass Resources for True Freedom
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
This week, Crucible men and women across America will be celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, cook-outs, and parties, singing about freedom and asking God to bless the USA. The freedom they sing of is highly cherished and history has countless examples of societies that have fought for it from oppressive regimes, sought independence from colonizers, and pursued civil liberties.
Those struggles are significant and worthy of celebration, but the focus is on external freedoms and liberties. The deeper parts of us are left unsatisfied and unfulfilled. There’s a different kind of freedom available, though, that goes beyond the physical realm – the true and unparalleled freedom in Christ. It isn’t bound by earthly limitations and it’s not a self-made project. It digs into the core of who we are and brings transformation to our hearts, minds, and souls.
True Freedom
2 Corinthians that says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” True freedom is found in Christ, and it’s a freedom that breaks the chains of sin and condemnation. The freedoms we enjoy in society are important and worth protecting, but they’re barely a glimpse of the freedom that Jesus offers. When we embrace His love and surrender to His transforming power, we’re set free eternally!
But here’s the kicker: we need others to help us on this journey. In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul proclaims, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” He continues, then, in 5:13 saying, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Did you catch that? Serving one another is part of the freedom package. You see, freedom alone isn’t really free, it requires community. We need others to walk alongside us, to challenge us, encourage us, and help us along the way. We need the support, wisdom, and accountability of others to keep us on track.
Think about it this way: when you embark on a journey, you don’t set off alone. You bring along a trusty companion or two. They’re there to share the ups and downs, to navigate the twists and turns, and to keep you going when the road gets tough. The journey of freedom is no different. We need fellow travelers who will journey with us, helping us grow and pointing us back to the source of our freedom – Jesus.
What Holds Us Back?
So, what holds us back from embracing this freedom? Well, life has a way of knocking us down and reminding us that we aren’t worthy of it. You get fired. Your spouse files for divorce. Your kids turn away from you. Your friend group ostracizes you. You mess up too much, hurt too many people, and fail way too often to deserve true freedom, right?
That’s not true at all, thank God for His grace! 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 tell us, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
Isn’t that amazing? When Jesus died on that cross, He made freedom from sin available to all of humanity. It doesn’t matter how far you think you’ve fallen or how broken you feel – you can be redeemed and set free in Christ! And He didn’t make sanctification, the process of being set apart and anchored in Christ alone, a solo gig. It’s a team effort and we were created to serve one another and surround ourselves with people who will cheer us on, challenge us to grow, and remind us of the grace that carries us forward.
Experience Freedom
If you’re longing for freedom, consider attending an upcoming weekend with The Crucible Project. Dive deep into your own story, confront the barriers that are hindering your growth, and find partners for your journey that will help you experience the freedom you’ve been yearning for.
Happy Independence Day!
As America celebrates Independence Day and we think about the freedoms we have in this world, remember the true freedom that surpasses all worldly boundaries. May you open your heart to the grace that Jesus offers as you continue on your transformative journey towards an authentic, purpose-filled, and joyous life and remember that freedom is sweeter when we walk this road together.